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Ruxolitinib is a cancer treatment drug that attacks on a kinase inhibitor that helps control different stages of cancer cell growth.
1. What is Ruxolitinib?
Ruxolitinib is a cancer drug with an attack on kinase inhibitors. This is an enzyme that promotes cell growth with many different types to control different stages of cell development. This helps slow down the growth of cancer cells. The goal of ruxolitinib is to target Janus Associated Kinases, JAK1 and JAK2.
2. How to use Ruxolitinib
Ruxolitinib is available in the form of tablets with different dosages. The drug can be taken with or without food. Dosage is based on the type of cancer being treated and the patient's tolerance to the drug. During treatment, patients will be closely monitored blood counts during treatment to adjust the dose based on that. If the patient misses a dose, do not take an extra dose to make up for the missed dose, but take the next scheduled dose. Do not stop taking the drug suddenly, but consult your doctor to adjust the dose gradually.
Patients need to be aware of the dosage each time they use it and should check with the prescription before taking it.
Blood levels of ruxolitinib can be affected by certain foods and medications such as grapefruit, grapefruit juice, ketoconazole, rifampin, St. Johns Wort, and many antifungal drugs (fluconazole). Therefore, before using it, tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking.
When preparing to administer medication, caregivers should consider wearing gloves or pouring medication directly from the container into the lid, small cup, or directly into the patient's hand to avoid touching the tablet. Then you need to wash your hands thoroughly. Sensitive subjects such as pregnant or lactating women should not prepare the drug.
3. Some possible side effects of Ruxolitinib
Some common side effects of using ruxolitinib include:
Decreased red blood cell count due to anemia
Red blood cells play an important role in transporting oxygen to cells and tissues in the body. Therefore, when the red blood cell count is low, it can make the patient feel tired or weak. In case the blood volume is too low, a blood transfusion will be indicated.
Hemorrhage due to a decrease in the number of platelets
Platelets play a role in helping to stop bleeding, so when the number is low, it can lead to bruising or bleeding in places such as the nose, gums or in the mouth. stool and urine.. If the platelet count becomes too low, you may be given a platelet transfusion.
Increased chance of infection
Using this medicine may increase the patient's risk of infection. Some symptoms of infection include high fever over 38°C, difficulty breathing, cough, sore throat, pain when urinating, sore throat or cold.
Some of the following infections have been reported including:
Herpes zoster : symptoms include a skin rash or blisters that can cause pain or itching, localized to one area. Tuberculosis: symptoms include new or worsening cough, weight loss, night sweats, and fever. Progressive multifocal encephalopathy (PML): PML is a rare, but very serious brain infection that can develop over weeks or months. These may include usual changes in mood or behavior such as confusion, thinking problems, memory loss, changes in vision, voice or way of walking, and decreased strength or weakness in one side of the body. Hepatitis B: People with chronic hepatitis B will be closely monitored during treatment, typically with regular blood tests. Secondary skin cancer: There is very little risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer or other cancer from treatment with this drug, which can occur many years after treatment. Because this drug has been linked to the development of skin cancer and the skin needs to be protected from the sun. Avoid the sun between 10 and 2 pm. Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15 daily, wear sunglasses, a hat and long sleeves or pants to protect your skin, and seek shade whenever possible. Ruxolitinib is a cancer treatment drug that attacks a kinase inhibitor that helps control different stages of cancer cell growth. To ensure the effectiveness of treatment and avoid side effects, users need to strictly follow the instructions of the doctor, professional pharmacist.
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Reference source: oncolink.org
